An Inside Look: Misha Brooks

February 27, 2023

In our latest edition of “An Inside Look”, we get to know one of our new Associate Director, Misha Brooks. We delve into Misha’s background and interests, and get to know a bit about him. He also shares the main obstacles to look out for that can threaten a deal and his predictions for M&A activity in 2023.

 

What was your background prior to joining Bluebox as an Associate Director?

Coming out of university I joined Octopus within their operations team, but started doing some work for what was at the time the EIS team (which was PE focused on SME market). From that I fell in love with working with entrepreneurs and corporate finance.

This led me to joining Benchmark International, where I helped start and grow their oxford office. While at Benchmark I led over 30 deals ranging between £1m-£30m EV and managed a team of advisors. After 6 years I left Benchmark and joined Grant Thornton where I worked on a range of deals including fundraises, buy side and sell side mandates. This included working on the sale of Motor Parts Direct to Motus Group (£180m Enterprise Value).

 

Have you always wanted to work in Corporate Finance and if so, what drew you to the profession?

Since I was in my early 20’s I knew it was how I would spend the rest of my career – I love dealing with entrepreneurs and seeing them achieving their goals.

 

What is your biggest achievement to date – personal or professional?

I stupidly decided to buy and renovate a house in my hometown of Oxford – as with any poorly planned renovation, I ran out of money within the first few weeks and had to learn some skills from YouTube. Thankfully I managed to make some profit, although I think my handy work did more harm than good!

 

How would your colleagues describe your management style?

Hopefully positively, but I’m generally quite hands on and like to get stuck in

 

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t be a nodding dog and always try to do the right thing.

 

What do you find are the main obstacles to watch out for that can threaten a deal, prior to closing?

Emotions – in most deals, there is a lot of emotions involved and its important people are aware of this and handle certain situations with care, rather than letting their egos take control.

 

What are your predictions for 2023 in terms of M&A activity?

While many of the wider economic outlooks are relatively gloomy, I think there is a large amount of capital sat with investors which needs to be deployed. So I feel that the market will be steady for the coming year and great opportunities will see increased amount of competitive tension due to many sellers being put off by the overall climate.

 

What is one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?

I have a few fake teeth due to a friend tripping up while trying to give me a hug.

 

Quick Fire:

  1. Have you ever met anyone famous? I went to school with a winner of love island if that counts….
  2. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Probably a morning person because my dog wakes me up early.
  3. Best meal you’ve ever eaten in a restaurant? Locanda Locatelli – best Italian food in London, maybe even the world?
  4. Someone who inspires you? Still to this day it is my parents, they are incredibly selfless people who have spent most of their lives trying to help others.

 

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